January 2014 - News about Ireland

Forbes announced that Ireland tops its new list of best countries in the world in which to do business. Ireland was the only country to rank among the top 15% in every one of the 11 metrics examined.

Ireland formally exited its international bailout on December 15, becoming the first eurozone country to do so. The Taoiseach addressed the nation to note that “internationally, our good name and our credibility have been restored”. NPR reported on the story.

Ireland joined the world in mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela. Mandela visited Ireland in 1990, 2000 and 2003. Padraig O’Malley wrote this interesting piece for the Boston Globe on Mandela’s influence on the Northern Ireland peace process.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD, launched a review of Ireland’s foreign policy, to which Irish citizens around the world are invited to contribute.

CNN took a look at the strength of Ireland’s farming and dairy sectors. Food and drink exports from Ireland increased by 8.6% over the first six months of 2013.

Website ‘The Score’ reported on a new documentary about the growth of hurling in Georgia and the Carolinas. In Atlanta, the Fall Leagues concluded in December

And the New York Times released this video tribute to Seamus Heaney.

Upcoming Events

The Savannah Irish Festival will take place over February 14-16, 2014. You can take a look at the line-up for one of the year’s major Irish celebration of music and dance.

The Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta, the oldest civic association of any kind in the city, hosts its monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at The Harp bar in Roswell, Georgia at 7pm. This month’s meeting is on January 9 and new members are welcome.

If there are Irish events you’d like us to highlight in future newsletters, please let us know through our Contact Us page

Happy New Year to all our friends across the US south-east!